A REVEREND, a tax expert, a dresser to the Princess Royal and a champion of women’s rights are among a host of extraordinary Gloucestershire folk who have been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours
List.

The Rev Celia Carter – a founding trustee of Avening-based charity The Hop, Skip and Jump Foundation – has received an MBE for services to children and the community.

The foundation provides day care for children with special needs and vital respite support for their parents and carers.

"This is an absolutely wonderful surprise," said Mrs Carter, of The Church of the Holy Cross, Avening.

"While I am extremely honoured, I fully believe this is a recognition of the incredible work of the entire Hop Skip and Jump team over the last 30 years."

An MBE was also awarded to Stroud-based tax expert Rebecca Benneyworth for services to the tax profession.

Mrs Benneyworth, who lives in Rodborough, runs her own firm and delivers regular lectures to accountants across the UK.

She also writes articles for numerous tax publications and has helped edit books on the subject.

"It is a great honour and I am very, very proud," said Mrs Benneyworth.

"I am passionate about the tax system and how it can run better for the benefit of all citizens."

Zarin Hainsworth Fadaei – a prolific campaigner for peace and women’s right on a global scale – has received an OBE for services to women and equality.

Her hugely influential career has seen her found, chair and represent a mass of organisations, including Naserian, which works to empower women in Africa’s Maasai tribes.

"I am pleased on behalf of everyone who works for women’s rights and equality," she said.

"I feel this is as much an award for their contribution as it is for mine."

In the line up for a prestigious Royal Victorian Medal is Veronica Cain, who has been honoured for her services as a dresser to the Princess Royal at her residence in Gatcombe, near Stroud.